Search For Missing Holland Patent Teen Ends

Holland Patent, NY (WIBX) - According to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, at around 1 pm Saturday afternoon, Antonio "AJ" Dousharm left his Rt. 365 Holland Patent residence. Deputies say that Dousharm's family became worried when the teen did not return home when it got dark.

Dousharm, who has special needs, was last seen walking into the woods behind the house .

Deputies say that around 6 AM Sunday morning, some 17 hours later, Dousharm was spotted by Deputy Wayne Smoulcey, near his residence. A short foot chase ensued when Dousharm ran into a wooded area. With the aid of a thermal imager, a searcher was able to locate Dousharm.

According to an email sent to WIBX News from Oneida County Sheriff's Deputy Sargent Matthew Bauer, the teen was detained and transported by Prospect Ambulance to a local Hospital for treatment due to exposure, the overnight temperatures dipped into the low 40's.

The Holland Patent Fire Department also assisted by providing their station for a Command Post.